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The Potluck Club #3
Takes the Cake
When the six members of the Potluck Club meet once again, things are about to heat up. Wedding plans and romantic desires abound as Summit View buzzes with rumors and revelations about the past. Has Deputy Sheriff Donna Vesey finally found the love of her life? Will Jack and Goldie Dippel--and their marriage--survive a dangerous mountain avalanche? And will the Potluck Club be able to put their differences aside and help each other survive the storms of life and love? Readers will be hungry to find out in the final course of this popular series.
376 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
52 people are currently reading
474 people want to read
About the author
Linda Evans Shepherd
57 books190 followersAuthor of When You Don't Know What to Pray-How to Talk to God About Anything & Potluck Club novels, speaker, TV host, President of Right to the Heart & AWSA.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
April 11, 2018
Ok, read. I am not impressed, I feel like it took forever to get through this book! I am taking a break before moving into the next series.
May 19, 2024
Fun book! This is the third potluck club book and I wasn’t ready for the series to end.
October 2, 2021
My My My My My....What a Group of Ladies. As Promised here's my review of the Crew-The PotLuck Club Crew!!! .......And a general overall synopsis at the end to wrap things up.....Let's get started, Shall we???
I'm going to start with Ms. Queen President herself *Evangeline Benson-Vesey*- What a lady!!! BUT what a lady scorned and holding on the past, which she did for 2/3 of the books in the series. I mean grade-school/childhood age is a LONG-TIME to be harboring hate and envy against somebody....HOWEVER who she was harboring feelings for was one to be hated. Dee-Dee/aka Doreen, well who does that to their child? She was a piece of work, but I think after Evangeline eventually got over herself. I did like her progression over the course of the book. From the situation with her niece Leigh, the way their prayer meetings were run and how she handled Lisa LeeAnn, grief over her best friend, and going to face her grave, to HOW she eventually handled her almost "double engagement" and accepting her first and probably ONLY love back into her life; it was good to see the Evangeline that she SHOULD have been all along come forth. Forgiveness goes a long way in how we view ourselves, and although it took her long enough, Evie eventually realized that in order to move on with her future, she had to let go of some pretty big things that was holding her back. I enjoyed her character immensely, even if she did sound hypocritical at times.
Next Up Lizzie-She hold a special place in my heart in these books because she's a librarian, like I am studying to become one day. What a pleasure it was to get to know who she was, and her family. Lizzie seamed like the most "grounded" out of all of them. Her sweet daughter Michelle could have used her own -side story, but the authors chose to focus on her son Tim, and his marital problems towards the end. I know thinking during the first book that she was the one without all the drama, and crazy happenings in her life, but that sure did change by the end. IDK if we ever did find out the "real problem" with her son's marriage, but IDK, maybe it wasn't important. Lizzie was the one that kept the coolest head on her shoulders, and by the end of book 3, boy did she need it. I think Lizzie definitely realized that things don't always have to go as it's planned, and that GOD is still in control of our lives, and will carry us through every situation that he allows us to be put into.
Vonnie-Vonnie, Vonnie-the one that I definitely shed a few tears with. I too can relate to Vonnie in her storyline about being childless. I was oh so happy when the truth came out about what really happened to her child when she was young, and in love. The prejudice from her mother, even way back then was unacceptable, and Vonnie's a better one than I would have been, because forgiveness for what her mom did to her would have been a REALLY long time coming. I am glad that she got to say goodbye to her "in-laws" in her own special way, and even more more happy that David got to know about them. Speaking of David, his whole thing for Donna, I saw that coming a mile away. I was secretly rooting for them, b/c Lord knows Donna needed it, something new (more on Donna's storyline next), but I guess it wasn't in the cards. Back to Vonnie-I applaud her for her bravery concerning her situation, A lot of Birth-mothers don't have the courage to reconnect with the children they gave up for adoption, even is it was not her fault, BUT it was good to see how the reconnection progressed throughout the series. When things happen that are out of our control, as they did to Vonnie, we still serve a God who can RIGHT all the WRONGS in our life, and make all things NEW again.
Donna-now I thought I shed tears with Vonnie and her storyline, NOTHING could prepare me for Donna and her story. She could have had a couple of books ALL BY HERSELF and I would have read them front to back, cover to cover in a matter of days. Betrayal, grief, abortion, long ago love, unbelief; I mean you name it, and she dealt with it. I especially loved how she came into her own with Christ. I mean if you had a past, and mother like Donna did, you would definitely be harboring some residual feelings at the Most High, I mean after all, the girl-is/we-are only human. There's a lot that Faith plays into our lives also, and I think that's where a lot of Donna's struggle stem from, her lack of it. Christs' ever failing Love for us NEVER EVER goes away, even when we DO, and I think although it was late in the game, Donna finally came to realize that about herself, and she then definitely began to see it in the others who were still apart of her life. Her father, and his relationship with one of her members in the PotLuck, Clay, Wade, Vonnie, and even new-comer David all had an impact in her life, but as she came to realize NONE like Jesus Christ could eve impact her life forever.
Goldie-Her story-line was my favorite, although confession the reconciliation I wasn't particularly rooting for, even though I'm married myself. I couldn't help but cheer her on, and root for her to be all that should could be for herself. I mean think about it, if you had lived your entire married life with somebody cheating on you, you'd be pretty bummed out and messed up, and thought to never be able to get over that. But once she finally left her husband, Goldie definitely realized there was a whole "world" out there that she needed to be able to explore for herself, and without the extra baggage of a husband who had not been acting too much like her husband, she could be the woman she was meant to be as well. I loved her inner struggle arc, and how she grew to realize that life outside her marriage could be just as fulfilling as being married. God can definitely take the BAD in our lives and forever work them out for our GOOD, and that's definitely what Goldie came to know about herself.
NOW yall know who that leaves-for last a Mrs Lisa-Leann, the Texas transplant into their community and into the lives of the Potluckers. And boy did she create some havoc. I know half the time she was meaning well, however her need to be in charge, and the gossiping definitely grated my nerves. I think that she's loyal to a fault, but her antics and her mouth definitely morally out-weighed what good she was ever trying to do, and what kind of friends I know that she could have been to those ladies. I liked that the authors gave her a business venture to keep her out of the hair of the other pot-luckers, and eventually her true colors and personality begin to shine, just a little. Her daughters storyline, and bringing in somebody that was close to her to make her realize her ways that were not so pleasant to the overall masses was a good way for Lisa LeeAnn to come to that realization about herself, hopefully a change for the better. When we realize the error of our ways, we must turn away from them, so that the Lord can use us in a mighty mighty way.
That about wraps up the pit-luckers, only person left is Clay, he reporter, but the only thing I have to say about him is....GOOD FOR HIM, his side storyline was one of confusion at times(for me personally), I definitely enjoyed how he progressed throughout the 3-books, and how he was there for each of the potluck women .....in his OWN special way!!!
Overall I enjoyed the books, they were full of enough humor and drama to keep you coming back for more each time....and enough prayer, and "Jesus-stuff" to see the lessons behind all of their lives....
As I found out, there were other books after this one, about their Pot-luck catering company that they decided to open, and as with these, I actually can't wait to get into them.....MOR Pot-Luck Club, YAAAAY!!! ....I did feel a couple of storylines left hanging, so I'm glad that they continued them, and hopefully some of the same drama will be in the new ones, and some of the old storylines that were left hanging will be tied off.
I'm going to start with Ms. Queen President herself *Evangeline Benson-Vesey*- What a lady!!! BUT what a lady scorned and holding on the past, which she did for 2/3 of the books in the series. I mean grade-school/childhood age is a LONG-TIME to be harboring hate and envy against somebody....HOWEVER who she was harboring feelings for was one to be hated. Dee-Dee/aka Doreen, well who does that to their child? She was a piece of work, but I think after Evangeline eventually got over herself. I did like her progression over the course of the book. From the situation with her niece Leigh, the way their prayer meetings were run and how she handled Lisa LeeAnn, grief over her best friend, and going to face her grave, to HOW she eventually handled her almost "double engagement" and accepting her first and probably ONLY love back into her life; it was good to see the Evangeline that she SHOULD have been all along come forth. Forgiveness goes a long way in how we view ourselves, and although it took her long enough, Evie eventually realized that in order to move on with her future, she had to let go of some pretty big things that was holding her back. I enjoyed her character immensely, even if she did sound hypocritical at times.
Next Up Lizzie-She hold a special place in my heart in these books because she's a librarian, like I am studying to become one day. What a pleasure it was to get to know who she was, and her family. Lizzie seamed like the most "grounded" out of all of them. Her sweet daughter Michelle could have used her own -side story, but the authors chose to focus on her son Tim, and his marital problems towards the end. I know thinking during the first book that she was the one without all the drama, and crazy happenings in her life, but that sure did change by the end. IDK if we ever did find out the "real problem" with her son's marriage, but IDK, maybe it wasn't important. Lizzie was the one that kept the coolest head on her shoulders, and by the end of book 3, boy did she need it. I think Lizzie definitely realized that things don't always have to go as it's planned, and that GOD is still in control of our lives, and will carry us through every situation that he allows us to be put into.
Vonnie-Vonnie, Vonnie-the one that I definitely shed a few tears with. I too can relate to Vonnie in her storyline about being childless. I was oh so happy when the truth came out about what really happened to her child when she was young, and in love. The prejudice from her mother, even way back then was unacceptable, and Vonnie's a better one than I would have been, because forgiveness for what her mom did to her would have been a REALLY long time coming. I am glad that she got to say goodbye to her "in-laws" in her own special way, and even more more happy that David got to know about them. Speaking of David, his whole thing for Donna, I saw that coming a mile away. I was secretly rooting for them, b/c Lord knows Donna needed it, something new (more on Donna's storyline next), but I guess it wasn't in the cards. Back to Vonnie-I applaud her for her bravery concerning her situation, A lot of Birth-mothers don't have the courage to reconnect with the children they gave up for adoption, even is it was not her fault, BUT it was good to see how the reconnection progressed throughout the series. When things happen that are out of our control, as they did to Vonnie, we still serve a God who can RIGHT all the WRONGS in our life, and make all things NEW again.
Donna-now I thought I shed tears with Vonnie and her storyline, NOTHING could prepare me for Donna and her story. She could have had a couple of books ALL BY HERSELF and I would have read them front to back, cover to cover in a matter of days. Betrayal, grief, abortion, long ago love, unbelief; I mean you name it, and she dealt with it. I especially loved how she came into her own with Christ. I mean if you had a past, and mother like Donna did, you would definitely be harboring some residual feelings at the Most High, I mean after all, the girl-is/we-are only human. There's a lot that Faith plays into our lives also, and I think that's where a lot of Donna's struggle stem from, her lack of it. Christs' ever failing Love for us NEVER EVER goes away, even when we DO, and I think although it was late in the game, Donna finally came to realize that about herself, and she then definitely began to see it in the others who were still apart of her life. Her father, and his relationship with one of her members in the PotLuck, Clay, Wade, Vonnie, and even new-comer David all had an impact in her life, but as she came to realize NONE like Jesus Christ could eve impact her life forever.
Goldie-Her story-line was my favorite, although confession the reconciliation I wasn't particularly rooting for, even though I'm married myself. I couldn't help but cheer her on, and root for her to be all that should could be for herself. I mean think about it, if you had lived your entire married life with somebody cheating on you, you'd be pretty bummed out and messed up, and thought to never be able to get over that. But once she finally left her husband, Goldie definitely realized there was a whole "world" out there that she needed to be able to explore for herself, and without the extra baggage of a husband who had not been acting too much like her husband, she could be the woman she was meant to be as well. I loved her inner struggle arc, and how she grew to realize that life outside her marriage could be just as fulfilling as being married. God can definitely take the BAD in our lives and forever work them out for our GOOD, and that's definitely what Goldie came to know about herself.
NOW yall know who that leaves-for last a Mrs Lisa-Leann, the Texas transplant into their community and into the lives of the Potluckers. And boy did she create some havoc. I know half the time she was meaning well, however her need to be in charge, and the gossiping definitely grated my nerves. I think that she's loyal to a fault, but her antics and her mouth definitely morally out-weighed what good she was ever trying to do, and what kind of friends I know that she could have been to those ladies. I liked that the authors gave her a business venture to keep her out of the hair of the other pot-luckers, and eventually her true colors and personality begin to shine, just a little. Her daughters storyline, and bringing in somebody that was close to her to make her realize her ways that were not so pleasant to the overall masses was a good way for Lisa LeeAnn to come to that realization about herself, hopefully a change for the better. When we realize the error of our ways, we must turn away from them, so that the Lord can use us in a mighty mighty way.
That about wraps up the pit-luckers, only person left is Clay, he reporter, but the only thing I have to say about him is....GOOD FOR HIM, his side storyline was one of confusion at times(for me personally), I definitely enjoyed how he progressed throughout the 3-books, and how he was there for each of the potluck women .....in his OWN special way!!!
Overall I enjoyed the books, they were full of enough humor and drama to keep you coming back for more each time....and enough prayer, and "Jesus-stuff" to see the lessons behind all of their lives....
As I found out, there were other books after this one, about their Pot-luck catering company that they decided to open, and as with these, I actually can't wait to get into them.....MOR Pot-Luck Club, YAAAAY!!! ....I did feel a couple of storylines left hanging, so I'm glad that they continued them, and hopefully some of the same drama will be in the new ones, and some of the old storylines that were left hanging will be tied off.
January 24, 2016
Like the first two books, this too has the complete spread: funny quips, moving scenes, family, friends, reunions and reconciliations, realizations, change - all presented with the central theme of the power of prayer. Of course, there are the recipes!
Such a fitting ending to this three-book series where life for the potluck members are all looking up. I read all three books one after the other, and I wish they were longer, not so much because it was lacking but because I just wanted more. Yes, and more there is! Where else will a group of potluckers head to but the food business, and that too is where I'm headed: the potluck catering club!
Such a fitting ending to this three-book series where life for the potluck members are all looking up. I read all three books one after the other, and I wish they were longer, not so much because it was lacking but because I just wanted more. Yes, and more there is! Where else will a group of potluckers head to but the food business, and that too is where I'm headed: the potluck catering club!
October 4, 2016
Another great book! I'm sure glad I'm reading these after all the books are out because they definitely leave you hanging at the end. Now to hold on two days until the next one gets to me. And I've changed my mind who I want Donna to end up with ;) it's obvious now! (Hope I'm not wrong)
January 28, 2013
It is a gossipy insipid story with God references thrown-in to make it Christian. Not the worst thing I have ever read.
March 8, 2016
I am really liking this series now and just discovered there is another series that picks up where this one leaves off.
February 24, 2018
This is a story about life in a town called Summit View, which is told by a collection of multiple points of view, mostly from the women there, and the unique concept was the frosting on the cake. If this book incorporated less religion, I think I would have enjoyed the book more because I like reading books with plot, not about religion, because then I can just go read the Bible or some other religious book. Overall, I liked the book a lot.
July 30, 2018
Another fun read ! Nothing deep that I have to ponder about. It's a quick easy book to read and enjoy without having to think too much. I'm so glad I got the whole Pot Luck Club series and can read them in order...
June 10, 2019
All's Well That Ends Well
Sadness today as this series ends. Want more. A story of lasting friendships with love enduring through the rough times and added laughter during the good times. Enjoyable, light reading. The best book of the series.
Sadness today as this series ends. Want more. A story of lasting friendships with love enduring through the rough times and added laughter during the good times. Enjoyable, light reading. The best book of the series.
November 23, 2018
Lovely little book, makes for light fun reading. Some dialogue is a little corny but the story is heart warming. I will read another by these authors.
May 30, 2020
funny book.
April 19, 2021
there was so many people I pretty sure I mixed them all up.
April 30, 2022
Delightful
So far I had read and enjoyed this story and the how the story plot had solved. I am waiting for the next one
So far I had read and enjoyed this story and the how the story plot had solved. I am waiting for the next one
December 30, 2023
I loved this series. I enjoyed it so much, I noticed they have another trilogy continuing the ladies and their antics. Yep, I'll be looking into buying those soon.
April 28, 2021
I was thinking I was getting ready to read a mystery but I was just as happy reading what might be considered Chick Lit. The only problem I had was keeping track of all the characters because there were so many. Some names were so similar that I kept getting confused. There were background stories for each of the characters. The book revolves around a group of women in a small town who get together monthly to chat, eat and pray for those in need. It is not "in your face" religion but delightful and sweet as they show devotion to God in their own ways. There is no sex, no F-words ( thank goodness for a change) some not exemplary people and some really great ones. Just like you find in real life. Each character seems to like cooking and at the end of the book there is quite a list of recipes. The book actually has two authors and I felt like I could tell in a few places that the style was not cohesive all the time, but it was generally a good read.
March 27, 2009
It's been a long while since I've read the two previous books in this series therefore taking time for the characters to become familiar to me. They're all pretty much new to me -- again.
The townsfolk have to look twice when someone new comes into town who looks a lot like Donna. Donna has two guys (okay three) trying to get her attention while one of the guys is starting a romance with another female.
Clay is pleased with his new look and is turning heads.
Coach's latest fling flaunts her news to Goldie. Goldie happens to be Coach's wife.
Bickering, nosiness, and pettiness abound, along with marriage proposals and mothers-in-law.
The townsfolk have to look twice when someone new comes into town who looks a lot like Donna. Donna has two guys (okay three) trying to get her attention while one of the guys is starting a romance with another female.
Clay is pleased with his new look and is turning heads.
Coach's latest fling flaunts her news to Goldie. Goldie happens to be Coach's wife.
Bickering, nosiness, and pettiness abound, along with marriage proposals and mothers-in-law.
April 30, 2013
Another fun installment of The Potluck Club! I couldn't predict how two of the storylines turned out, and that always makes a book better, in my opinion.
If you'r not familiar with this series, The Potluck Club is the story of a group of Christian women who meet once a month to share food, prayers, and gossip. They live in a small mountain town where everyone knows everyone.
This particular volume covers a long-lost relative coming back to town, a couple working on their marriage, an avalanche, and lastly, a long-awaited wedding.
Love these books... my only problem now is that my library doesn't seem to have the ones I haven't read yet!
If you'r not familiar with this series, The Potluck Club is the story of a group of Christian women who meet once a month to share food, prayers, and gossip. They live in a small mountain town where everyone knows everyone.
This particular volume covers a long-lost relative coming back to town, a couple working on their marriage, an avalanche, and lastly, a long-awaited wedding.
Love these books... my only problem now is that my library doesn't seem to have the ones I haven't read yet!
July 4, 2009
Another great book in a really nice little series. I really like the writing and characters in these books, and like reading about their faith, family and situations in the town of Summit View. I believe there's a new series out, about them forming a Catering Club, and I hope to get those to read sooner or later. I can't wait to see what happens to some of the characters! Good Christian fiction, I really enjoyed this series :)
November 6, 2009
I've read all three books in this series, first ones by the authors for me. It took me a bit to sort out the characters and get used to their writing style but once I did I really enjoyed them. They are light and funny; about a group of women in a Colorado mountain town that meet together monthly for prayer and food. They are all members of the same church and usually someone has problems going on that they need to "help" with. Fun series!
September 10, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better. I still like the various plots woven together, and still think the Donna character would make a good friend. The marriage proposal was the funniest one I've ever read, and I like the way eldercare situations were discussed and worked naturally into the story. The recipe of a cake that can be frozen sounds like a good idea and one I'll probably use.
March 19, 2010
Wasn't dissapointed by this sequel to The Potluck Club. Same people, but more fleshed out and a bit more preachy, in a good way. Also, just like the first book, this one included the recipies at the back, but it doesn't feel like the food is taking over as there are too many strong characters for that to happen. I am thinking of making the German Pancakes with Almond Topping, though.
February 7, 2011
Last in the three part series. Problems that this tight group of potluck members have are starting to be resolved. I love how they all rely on prayer to get them through all their tough times and they all attend church and read their scriptures. Can't wait to get to the end of the book and see all the recipes.
March 19, 2011
This volume of the Potluck Club series is all about romance: Evangeline's upcoming wedding, Donn'as high school romance competing with a new friend as well as reporter Clay's pursuit of a new romance. A mysterious look-a-like for Donna arrives in town just as the deputy is sued for a wrongful death. The series improves as it progresses.
February 15, 2016
Third book in a series regarding women club
I think the authors in this series are very good. They keep your attention all the time and it is hard to put the book down. This is the third one of the series and was as good as the first two. I enjoyed this series so much.
Hope you will checkout these books.
I think the authors in this series are very good. They keep your attention all the time and it is hard to put the book down. This is the third one of the series and was as good as the first two. I enjoyed this series so much.
Hope you will checkout these books.
October 16, 2008
How the club gets into things is a WOW. I like the differences they have and how they work together. But they have learned that they must invite the Lord into their meetings. It took Evie a long time to get her man(so to speak). hahaha It is good.
November 28, 2008
I liked this book better than "Troubles Brewing." Maybe that's because I already knew the characters from the previous book in the series. I felt much more drawn into the stories and a part of the community. I will probably go back and read the very first one, now that I'm "invested."
December 9, 2009
Another delightful read from the PLC. There is nothing deep or insightful or dramatic about these stories, but they're charming and engaging with realistic characters (just like you have in your own life) and I just enjoy reading them.
September 18, 2011
This series was wonderful. I couldn't put each book down until I'd finished it! Characters were wonderful. There was always something going on to keep you reading! Read until 2 a.m. last night to finish this one!
October 16, 2012
My favorite of the 3 books. I like how the group of women grow together and their bond as the Potluck Club grows stronger. Shows acceptance, forgiveness, love. I could have another book than to guess what happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews